Island Treasures

In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s.

Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event.

The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide clear globes around the island for lucky guests to find and redeem for a real glass float. Gather your friends and family to search for globes that can be exchanged for dazzling handcrafted glass floats.

The Guest Information Center will be closed on New Years Day, January 1st. Island Treasures can be redeemed beginning January 2, 2020.

2020 Island Treasures FAQ

Q: What is an Island Treasure?
A: An Island Treasure is a glass float similar to the ones fishermen used to mark their nets in the early 1900s. Today, they are one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass balls created by artists commissioned by Jekyll Island from around the country. The floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide clear globes around the island for lucky guests to find and redeem for a real glass float.

Q: How much does it cost to hunt?A: Nothing! The Jekyll Island Treasures hunt is free. Note, there is a parking fee to get on the island, which helps defray some of the cost of the roads upkeep.

Q: I found a plastic globe! What do I do now?A: Congratulations! Take your globe to the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. There, you’ll exchange it for the Island Treasure that matches the numbered tag in your plastic globe. You will complete a claim form, provide photo ID, receive your Island Treasure, and then we’ll take your picture to share on our Facebook page. A photo ID is required to claim an Island Treasure. Only one Island Treasure per household, per year.

The Guest Information Center will be closed on New Years Day, January 1st. Island Treasures can be redeemed beginning January 2, 2020.

Q: How many Island Treasures may I claim?A: The goal is to allow as many guests as possible to enjoy the hunt. With this in mind, only one Island Treasure may be claimed per household, per year.

Q: How many Island Treasures will be hidden in January & February?A: This year, we will hide approximately 250 clear, plastic globes from January 1 – February 29, 2020. Each plastic globe represents a real Island Treasure. To receive your Island Treasure, turn your plastic globe in at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center, open daily. Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Q: How many Island Treasures are hidden each day?A: In general, two (2) to five (5) globes are hidden each day, however there could be more on the island at any given time, based on the number of Island Treasures that have been found.

Q: What time are they hidden?A: Any time. Beach Buddies will hide plastic globes throughout the day, and the timeframes vary daily.

Q. What are the dates for this year’s Island Treasures hunt?
A. Island Treasures runs January 1 through February 29, 2020.

Q: What happens if I find an Island Treasure after February 29?
A: While all Island Treasures will be hidden by February 29, there may still be some left to find after this date. If you find a plastic globe after February 29, you can turn it into the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center through March 31 to receive your one-of-a-kind glass float. After March 31, any plastic globes found cannot be redeemed for an Island Treasure.

Q: How will I know when all the Island Treasures have been claimed?A: We will continuously be updating our Facebook album for the 2020 Island Treasures winners, which will include an ongoing count of treasures hidden and found. Be sure to follow our Facebook page to stay updated.

Q: Where should I look for Island Treasures?A: All over Jekyll Island! Ok, not the WHOLE island… You will ONLY find them in common areas like the Beach Village, Historic District, Great Dunes Beach Park, etc. Globes are always “hidden” in plain sight and NEVER off-the-beaten path. Globes will NEVER be hidden in the dunes, the marsh, off established paths, on the golf courses or driving range, or on residential property.

Q: Is there anywhere I should NOT look?A: Even better question! You won’t find them in the dunes, the marsh, off established paths, on the golf courses or driving range, or on residential property. Beach Buddies always “hide” plastic globes in common areas, in plain sight.

Q: Is there a strategy I should employ?A: No, Island Treasures is really about being at the right place at the right time. It comes down to luck and timing. Whether you find a globe or not, we hope you’ll enjoy the real treasure that is Jekyll Island and see the annual tradition as an opportunity to explore.

Q: Who hides the globes?A: Volunteers selected in a lottery drawing from Jekyll Island Authority staff called “Beach Buddies” hide the treasures each year. Their identity is a secret, and they’re very sneaky!

Q: Can I buy an Island Treasure?A: Yes! Official Jekyll Island Treasures are for sale at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center. You can also purchase Island Treasures online.